1. Writing the Literary Analysis

2. What is Literary Analysis?  It’s literary  It’s an analysis  It’s--  An Argument!  It may also involve research on and analysis of secondary sources

3. How is it “literary”?  Usually, a literary analysis will involve a discussion of a text as writing, thus the term literary, which means “having to do with letters”  This will involve the use of certain concepts that are very specifically associated with literature

4. Important literary concepts  The Basics  Plot  Setting  Narration/point of view  Characterization  Symbol  Metaphor  Genre  Irony/ambiguity  Other key concepts  Historical context  Social, political, economic contexts  Ideology  Multiple voices  Various critical orientations  Literary theory

5. How Can I Learn More?  Glossary of literary terms in the back of your textbook.  The South Library has literary databases full of criticism

6. What is an Analysis?  An analysis of a literary work may discuss  How the various components of an individual work relate to each other  How two separate literary works deal with similar concepts or forms  How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger aesthetic, political, social, economic, or religious contexts

7. How is a literary analysis an argument?  When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s).  When discussing these attributes, you will want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes.  You will defend this point with reasons and evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

8. Which is the best thesis statement?  Moby-Dick is about the problem of evil.  Moby-Dick is boring and pointless.  Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale.  The use of “whiteness” in Moby-Dick illustrates the uncertainty about the meaning of life that Ishmael expresses throughout the novel.

9. How do I support a thesis statement?  Examples from the text:  Direct quotations  Summaries of scenes  Paraphrase  Other critics’ opinions  Historical and social context  Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes!

10. What is a secondary source?  A book or article that discusses the text you are discussing  A book or article that discusses a theory related to the argument you are making  A book or article that discusses the social and historical context of the text you are discussing

11. How do I find secondary sources?  Our databases.  Good, reliable sources from the Internet.

12. Integrating secondary sources  When you use secondary sources, be sure to show how they relate to your thesis  Don’t overuse any one secondary source, or for that matter, secondary sources in general  Remember that this is your paper, your argument— the secondary sources are just helping you out  Never, never, never plagiarize! See the OWL handout on plagiarism for more information.

13. Overview of Literary Analysis  When writing a literary analysis:  Be familiar with literary terms  Analyze specific items  Make an a argument  Make appropriate use of secondary sources  Consult instructors and tutors for help when needed

14. Where can I go for more help?  From Mr. Kelly  Before and after school, 2 nd, or 3 rd.  Writing Lab  In room 263- sign up online. Follow the link from our Sharepoint site  And visit http://owl.english.purdue.eduhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu  Or email owl@owl.english.purdue.eduowl@owl.english.purdue.edu